Not all Wounds are Visible: Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress

SFC Shirley Whitfield - You are right...people just assume that because you can't see it it doesn't exist...nothing could be farther from the truth. The brain is a complex system that can get miswired and it takes a lot of effort to reboot if you can ever get there. Sometimes you just have to accept the new normal and move on.

True which begs the question, should certain invisible disabilities have higher ratings than some visible disabilities? I was shocked to discover VA was giving 50% for Sleep Apnea. Knowing that, who wouldn't get a sleep study to have it documented no matter how mild their condition might be.
When it comes to DV plates or tags on vehicles, my expectation is those tags should be reserved for those with physical disabilities that limit mobility thus entitled to park close to a building.

MAJ James Woods - I absolutely agree with the plates. If it is not a physical ailment or disability then you shouldn't need to park in a handicapped spot. As far as the disability ratings go I think disability points should be given to all disabilities if it causes yo uto not be able to perform life functions...per the definition...dis·a·bil·i·tyˌdisəˈbilədē/Submit nouna physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. synonyms: handicap, disablement, incapacity, impairment, infirmity, defect, abnormality. For me sleep apnea did that. I enlisted right out of high school and served for over 26 years. The last several years of my service, I could not get a good nights sleep..not for nightmares or anything but because of apnea. I was tested and the doctor told me that I would never come off the machine because it was so bad. I simply cannot sleep without the machine. Ever since then I sleep well at night and wake well rested. Also sleep apnea causes hear problems and other issues if it goes untreated...so it is a life long ailment that happened to me on active duty...therfore it is considered a disability. Now I have heard of some guys where the doctor told them they could get it or not and they chose to and use it the minimal amount of time just to keep the disability in check...thats not right.

All fair points indeed.